The data put into the software is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor can get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor has to take photographic or obtain documentary information which is needed for audit reasons. If no evidence is obtained then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In this situation the software program will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of these sorts of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Solar Thermal, or Solar PV – An MCS certificate from contractor.

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness installed.

• Loft extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

• Double glazing improvements to the majority of the property – Certificate from Fensa, or dated receipt from the contractors.

• Any type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

The 3 mains things that have the main impact on the energy rating are:

• The main source of fuel for heating the property
• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs equates to lower scores.

Levels Of Insulation
Good levels of insulation ensures that the demand on the heating system is kept down, and it also results in a more comfortable home with lower running costs.

The Heating System
An efficient heating system with good controls such as room thermostat, thermostatic valves and programmer helps to keep energy bills down. This all contributes to a better rating on the EPC.

Double glazing
This one may come as a bit of a shock, but double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. Where it will have a larger impact, is if the home is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is normally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the EPC since they are an affordable improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.